Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez could face a complaint of gross inexcusable negligence for his purported role in the appointment of former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co as the head of the appropriations committee and the latter’s connection to the anomalous flood control projects, according to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla.
Remulla made the pronouncement in a press briefing on Tuesday, saying that Romualdez and several other government officials could face the same complaint.
‘I had a discussion earlier with former Secretary [Rogelio] Singson and Justice [Andres] Reyes, and some of it can be attributed to gross inexcusable negligence if I’m not mistaken. Being the Secretary of Public Works, it was his [former Sec. Manuel Bonoan’s] job to make sure that things happen properly,’ the Ombudsman said.
‘I think that’s one of the recommendations is really to charge with gross inexcusable negligence, the same case will be filing probably against Zaldy Co and former Speaker of the House Martin Romualdez,’ he added.
Remulla said that in examining the cases involving Co, a pattern showed the former lawmaker’s coordination with some senators in crafting the final version of the national budget.
He noted that Romualdez, on the other hand, should be held accountable for Co’s appointment since it happened under the former’s watch.
‘Although Co was elected on the floor, everybody knows it was the Speaker’s choice. We’re crossing the boundaries of normal legal theory here, but we have to stretch it because the whole government machinery and the Filipino people suffered damages due to Co’s acts. If there’s nothing criminal about it, then there is negligence,’ Remulla said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Reporters have sought a comment from Romualdez’s office, which has yet to reply as of posting time.